“Fear Not”

“Have no fear”. ( vs. 25-26) The words of Christ himself many times over were “fear not”. The words of the angels were always “fear not”; How or why can we fear not? Because God is for us, God is with us, and His law is right and just! What kinds of things do we fear in life? If we didn’t have anything in our life that troubled us – our human nature would trust in self. God desires that we trust in Him. I think our greatest fears in life come from those things that we have no control over! And, maybe that’s a good thing because we can overcome our fears by having faith in the one who can control things! When I use the word fear I mean all levels of fear from general apprehension and worry to dread and terror. Fear starts out when we are very young with fears of things like darkness, monsters, etc. and it continues into our teenage years with fears of things like rejection, humiliation and failure. But, Adulthood is also filled with possible fears such as fear of disease, death, financial problems, broken relationships, loved ones being hurt, storms, failure, aging, crime, etc. Focus on God And “Fear Not” – This is the consistent message of the Bible regarding fear. For example when Peter Walked on the water Peter’s fear got the victory only when he lost his focus on Jesus. In Isaiah 26: 3 God has said “I will keep in perfect peace all who trust in me, who thoughts are fixed on me!” We also see the same idea and Philippians 4: 6-7 which says “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” There will be times when anxiety and fear will come into our lives, it is then that we have a choice to make – we can choose to focus on the problem and be overcome with fear or we can choose to focus on God; knowing He will be at our side.

Psalm 27 says:“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? (compared to darkness and feeling lost) The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (compared to my own strength, wealth, or power) When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (Why? Because God is my protector.) One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. ( A good thing to do when we are afraid.) Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother (or anyone else) forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (The best thing we can do!)